The soprano sarrusophone is a high-pitched member of the sarrusophone family of keyed metal conical bore double reed instruments. It is pitched in B♭ with approximately the same range as the soprano saxophone. The timbre is similar to that of the oboe, although louder and less refined, more like a shawm. Although used in wind bands in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it is today extremely rare, as few original specimens survive. They were made in the late 19th and early 20th century principally by their inventor and Parisian instrument maker Pierre-Louis Gautrot [fr], and his successor Couesnon & Co. [fr]. Instruments are also known from manufacturers Evette & Schaeffer, Distin & Co. of London, and Orsi of Milan.[2] New instruments can still be made individually to order from Orsi.[3]

Soprano sarrusophone
Soprano sarrusophone by Distin, c. 1865
Woodwind instrument
Classification
Hornbostel–Sachs classification422.112
(Double reed aerophone with keys)
Inventor(s)
DevelopedMid 19th century
Playing range

    {
      \new Staff \with { \remove "Time_signature_engraver" }
      \clef treble \key c \major ^ \markup "written" \cadenzaOn
      bes1 \glissando g'''1
      aes1 ^ \markup "sounds" \glissando \clef treble f'''1
    }
Soprano sarrusophone in B♭ sounds a major second lower than written.[1]
Related instruments
Builders

Orsi (on request)


Historical:
More articles or information
Sarrusophones:

References

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  1. ^ Blaikley, D. J. (2001). "Sarrusophone". Grove Music Online (8th ed.). Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.article.24597. ISBN 978-1-56159-263-0.
  2. ^ Henry Distin (c. 1865). "Soprano sarrusophone, nominal pitch: B♭". Musical Instruments Museums Edinburgh. St Cecilia's Hall: University of Edinburgh. Accession number: 4057. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  3. ^ "Instruments Made on Request". Milan: Romeo Orsi. Archived from the original on 12 October 2008.
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